Arts

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Events

What is the minimum number of guests required for events at The Mermaid London?

The venue has a minimum requirement of 100 guests for most events. For catering to be provided, there is also a minimum of 100 people required.

What are the Day Delegate Rate (DDR) packages and pricing?

The Day Delegate Rate starts from £98 per person (excluding VAT) and includes venue hire, arrival refreshments, mid-morning refreshments, two-course hot fork buffet lunch, afternoon refreshments, basic AV equipment, staffing, and filtered water throughout the day. DDR packages run from 08:00-17:30 and include hire of the Auditorium for groups of 300+ or the Newgate Suite for smaller groups.

What is the pricing structure for room hire without catering packages?

Room hire varies by space and duration. For example, the DDR (room only) starts at £9,800 + VAT, the Newgate Suite costs £4,500 + VAT for day hire (08:00-17:30), and the Upper River Room costs £2,500-£3,500 + VAT for day hire, with evening rates typically higher.

What additional costs should I budget for beyond the base room hire?

Additional mandatory costs include staffing (event manager and stewards estimated at £1,798 + VAT), early access from 06:00 (£2,000 + VAT), and AV equipment if not included in DDR packages. Security, extended hours, and specialized catering will incur extra charges.

How long can I hold a provisional booking before confirming?

The venue operates on a joint first option basis for provisional bookings. If you haven't responded to their proposal by end of day Monday (or the specified deadline), the enquiry will be automatically released from their system.

What are the payment terms and booking confirmation requirements?

For events with short lead times, the venue requires booking confirmation and 100% payment by the end of the week. Standard payment terms and deposit requirements vary by event size and lead time.

What spaces are available for different group sizes and event types?

The Auditorium accommodates 600 people in theatre style (minimum 300 for DDR), the Newgate Suite can be divided into 4 breakout spaces and accommodates various layouts, and the River Rooms offer spectacular views for conferences and receptions. Two complimentary green rooms (Castle Baynard & Workshop) are available, plus shared Mezzanine and Foyer areas.

What catering options and pricing are available?

Catering options include bowl food at £40 per person + VAT, Christmas reception packages at £155 per person + VAT, drinks receptions at £25-30 per person + VAT for 2-3 hours, and canapes at £13 per person + VAT. There is a minimum spend requirement for cash bars at £2,000.

What AV equipment and technical support is included or available?

Basic AV equipment includes LCD projectors, screens, flipcharts, lecterns, and microphones. The Auditorium features a Yamaha QL1 mixing desk, Bose line array speakers, 4 handheld radio mics, and a 15k HD projector with 16ft x 9ft screen. AV packages for other rooms start from £1,100 + VAT and include technician support.

Are there any restrictions on event timings or access hours?

Standard event hours are 08:00-17:30 for day events, with evening events typically ending by midnight. Early access from 06:00 is available for £2,000 + VAT. Load-in times and extended access can be arranged but incur additional charges.